The Life She Was Given

De: Ellen Marie Wiseman

Narrado por: Lori Gardner

From acclaimed author Ellen Marie Wiseman comes a vivid, daring novel about the devastating power of family secrets - beginning in the poignant, lurid world of a Depression-era traveling circus and coming full circle in the transformative 1950s.

On a summer evening in 1931, Lilly Blackwood glimpses circus lights from the grimy window of her attic bedroom. Lilly isn't allowed to explore the meadows around Blackwood Manor. She's never even ventured beyond her narrow room. Momma insists it's for Lilly's own protection, that people would be afraid if they saw her. But on this unforgettable night, Lilly is taken outside for the first time - and sold to the circus sideshow.

More than two decades later, 19-year-old Julia Blackwood has inherited her parents' estate and horse farm. For Julia, home was an unhappy place full of strict rules and forbidden rooms, and she hopes that returning might erase those painful memories. Instead, she becomes immersed in a mystery involving a hidden attic room and photos of circus scenes featuring a striking young girl.

At first The Barlow Brothers' Circus is just another prison for Lilly. But in this ragtag, sometimes brutal world, Lilly discovers strength, friendship, and a rare affinity for animals. Soon, thanks to elephants Pepper and JoJo and their handler, Cole, Lilly is no longer a sideshow spectacle but the circus' biggest attraction...until tragedy and cruelty collide.

It will fall to Julia to learn the truth about Lilly's fate and her family's shocking betrayal and find a way to make Blackwood Manor into a place of healing at last. Moving between Julia's and Lilly's stories, Ellen Marie Wiseman portrays two extraordinary, very different women in a novel that, while tender and heartbreaking, offers moments of joy and indomitable hope.

©2017 Ellen Marie Wiseman (P)2017 Recorded Books

Good book but hard to read at times!

The book is well written but the story is very hard to hear/read. It is a reflection of how cruel humans can be,not only to animals but to humans. It is definitely a page turner and a reminder that we all have a limited amount of time here on earth and that it is very precious.

It was a good storyline

I enjoyed the main characters & the story itself. The animal treatment was pretty hard to take but I know in a period piece it’s not uncommon. The characters in the story were compelling however things did get somewhat predictable as it developed. Overall I enjoyed listening.

Struggle

This book is a great story, touching, tear-jerking at times and exhilarating at other times. #Thankful #GreatStory #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

great story

So far, have not read one book I did not love by Ellen Wiseman. All her stories are on different matter, but are always excellent. Each one is better than the last.

Trigger Alert

A gripping story, but readers beware, a main character (female) lives a long life riddled with trauma from birth to death - often described in detail.

I really enjoyed this book, easy read.

Somewhat what I expected of the story but with a nice little surprise twist at the end.

Outstanding

Excellent story with surprises, heartaches and betrayals. Don't miss this fantastic read - worth your time.....

Very enjoyable

Enjoyable quick read that I couldn’t put down. I will check out more books by this author.

Can't believe the negative reviews. I loved it!!

Well written, great story, a great read!!! give it a chance. One of my favorites on Audible originals to date.

Excellent

I read a lot and it has to be good to keep my attention. Beautiful read.